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Research in Other Countries => South Africa => Topic started by: sheenie on Thursday 29 September 11 14:57 BST (UK)

Title: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: sheenie on Thursday 29 September 11 14:57 BST (UK)

Looking for any info I can find for Alexander Mathewson b1812 in Scotland.  His occupation was a Seed Merchant in Aberdeen until approx. 1840  and his wife and family lived in Dundee (from 1841 until their deaths) but have been unable to find him on any of the census returns or death records here in Scotland.   

However, I know in 1853 he was a Cape Town Merchant from one of his daughter's marriage announcements in the local newspaper and that he was recorded as deceased on his wife's death record in 1870.

Can anyone point me in the right direction as where to look next for those missing years or if there is any info to be had on General Merchants in Cape Town.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Sheenie

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: pampoen on Thursday 29 September 11 23:40 BST (UK)

Hi in response to your post.Have found some records for Alexander Mathewson.Try this link. http://www.national.archsrch.gov.za/sm300cv/smws/sm200gi.

Then click on the KAB repository box, when it opens type in Mathewson and enter. A list of documents will appear, just click on Result Summary and then click on each and you will see what info each one contains. Good luck Derek.

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: sheenie on Friday 30 September 11 09:12 BST (UK)

Hi Derek

Many thanks for your response to my query.  Have had a look into the link and found one result which is a possibility ie  death/estate papers in 1891 although I think this may be a little on the late side for the Alexander Mathewson I'm looking for.

Again thanks for your help.

Sheenie

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 30 September 11 11:07 BST (UK)

The Dundee Courier has an 1858 announcement of the wedding of Evelyn, youngest daughter of Alexander Mathewson , merchant, Capetown - do you already have that one?

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: sheenie on Friday 30 September 11 13:25 BST (UK)

Hi Shaun

Yes, that's the announcement I have (noticed I've put 1853 instead of 1858 in my original query!) - hit a brick wall on this one - can't find him prior to or after that year- hopefully get a breakthrough soon.  I was hoping if I could get some insight/background info for Merchants in Cape Town I might get some more ideas where to look as I'm afraid my knowledge in genealogy for this occupation/country is somewhat limited so any help is much appreciated.

Thanks for looking in the Courier for me.
Sheenie

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: pampoen on Saturday 01 October 11 07:08 BST (UK)

Hi Sheenie 1891 death of A Mathewson would make him 79 when he died.What was his wifes name?Have you tried typing her name into the link I gave you to see what comes up?Found this info. Died Uitenhage  Friday 7th October 1837, Alexander MATHEWSON Ensign in the late Royal Africa Corps and Her Majesty's 54th Regiment, aged 45 years.Left a Widow and 6 children to mourn his loss.Posted at Uitenhage October 12 1837.At least we now know the story behind the estate papers listed on NAAIRS for the abve person.
Cheers Derek

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: sheenie on Tuesday 04 October 11 11:05 BST (UK)

Hi Derek

Thanks for this - you've been most helpful.  No hits for A Mathewson's wife I'm afraid and I know that the 1837 death is not the A Mathewson I'm looking for as he and his wife were married 1838 in Scotland.

There is the remote possibility that the 1891 death of A Mathewson is the one I'm looking for ( death age of 79 years is a bit unlikely but I suppose still worth considering).

Cheers
Sheenie

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: pampoen on Tuesday 04 October 11 13:52 BST (UK)

Hi I would say the A Mathewson who died in 1891 is not the one you are looking for as he is listed as deceased in 1870 on his wifes death notice.

Regards Derek

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: sheenie on Tuesday 04 October 11 18:29 BST (UK)

Thanks again Derek - looks like it's back to the drawing board!

Your help has been much appreciated

Regards
Sheenie

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: sandyc2 on Monday 17 October 11 18:00 BST (UK)

Hi Sheenie

There is no Mathewson listed in CT in 1859 but there is an Alexander Geddes Matthieson.   He is listed as a haberdasher in Longmarket Street (1847 - 1856) and then having a "scotch & english clothing warehouse" in 1859 and then the same in Grave Street from 1860 - 1865.   There is no listing for him in 1866, 1869, 1870 or 1872.
 
There is a death notice on NAAIRS for Alexander Geddes Mathiesan in 1871, but unfortunately I am not able to look it up for you.

Hope this helps
Regards
Sandy

Title: Re: Cape Town Merchant
Post by: sheenie on Monday 17 October 11 19:52 BST (UK)

Sandy

You are a star!!  I think this is my Alexander Mathewson I am looking for.  His mother's maiden name is Geddes so this certainly fits.

Thank you so much for the information - given me a great lead.

Thanks again to you Derek also.   If I can be of any help for any Scottish research that any of you need please let me know.

Regards
Sheenie